The name might not trigger instant recognition in R&B & Classic Rock fans, but it did in a lot of artists they know and love.  Rick Hall played an important and inspirational role in songs recorded by Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and many other artists in multiple genres of music.  His unique talent drew them all to Muscle Shoals, Alabama where he had assembled a group of studio musicians that came to be known as the Swampers.  Duane Allman was lead guitarist on sessions before the other slots were filled by Barry Beckett (keyboards), David Hood (bass), Roger Hawkins (drums).  They would split with Hall's FAME studio in 1969, moving to a rival studio started in nearby Sheffield, Alabama, but later settled their differences and reuited with Hall.  Rick Hall died Tuesday at 85 in his home in Florence, Alabama.

NYTimes.com  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duane ALlman signing contract with Rick Hall 1968
Photo: The Hall family